by C. Wolfe
The start of the new school year is an exciting time, but it can also be an overwhelming one for both kids and adults. It can be hard to get back into the rhythm of a regular schedule so here’s some tips to help you ease back into school life.
1. Prioritize Sleep
Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, just to help them ease into new routines. Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it every night. Quality sleep helps with concentration, mood, and overall wellbeing. Aim for nine to elven hours of quality sleep per night.
2. Eat Well
Support your child’s learning and development with scheduled meals and snacks. Breakfast kickstarts their morning, while snacks and lunches nourish them throughout the day. Pack a water bottle to help them stay hydrated. Consider trying out some new lunch box recipes prior to the start of the school year to see what your kids like.
3. Keep Active
Adding physical activity to your child’s routine sets them up for success. Activities like walking or biking to school, playing sports, dancing, swimming, or helping around the house are great ways for your child to stay active. Set limits on screen time and promote outdoor play as much as possible for overall wellbeing.
4. Make Time for Talking and Connection
Going back to school can be a cause of anxiety or stress for children. Make it a point to encourage open communication and support your child to talk about their feelings and help them feel heard and understood. Remind your child that teachers know that students may be nervous about the first day of school; they will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. Integrate downtime into their routine where they can relax or focus on a special interest or hobby.
5. Build Good Homework and Study Habits
Some children may need extra help organizing their homework. Teach your child to prioritize their assignments by making to-do lists with deadlines. Allow ample time for homework and study. If possible, create an area in your home that is homework friendly, which is quiet and without distractions. Set a regular alarm each day that signals the start of homework time. After each assignment is finished, allow your child a short break, such as a short walk or stretching to help with eye and brain fatigue.
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